Premium guitarist Peter Bernstein has been playing the New York Jazz scene for over a decade. At age 31, he has established himself as a consummate leader, a highly cooperative sideman and a gifted composer.

Peter studied piano from age 8 and by age 13 had taken up guitar, which he first taught himself to play by ear. A diligent musician from the start, he wrote his own tunes, and while in High School composed three entire scores for school plays. Peter studied Jazz music at Rutgers University with influential coaches Ted Dunbar and Kenny Barron and also got a degree of music from The New School in New York City. While at The New School, Peter studied with Jim Hall who became one of his most influential mentors. In 1990 Jim asked Peter to join him in his Guitar Invitational Concert at the JVC Festival. A recording on the Music Masters label resulted, and Peter proceeded to duet with Jim Hall on a number of occasions including a 1994 European tour.

Peter has joined ranks with many Jazz notables, both in live and recorded sessions. As a sideman Peter's discography surpasses 30 recordings. He has worked with Joshua Redman, Lou Donaldson, Jim Hall, Tom Harrell, Joe Lovano, Roy Hargrove, Larry Goldings, Maceo Parker, Javon Jackson, Lee Konitz, Walt Weiskopf, Jack McDuff, Charles Earland, Dr. Lonnie Smith and Eric Alexander among others. To date, Peter has recorded four CD's as a leader for the Criss Cross label. His 1993 debut was Somethin’s Burning, featuring legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb, followed by Sings of Life (1995), (starring the formidable cast of Christian McBride, Greg Hutchinson and Brad Mehldau) then Brain Dance (1997), featuring Larry Goldings, Blly Drummond, Steve Davis and Eric Alexander; and finally, the critically acclaimed trio romp, Earth Tones, featuring Larry Goldings and Bill Stewart. Peter’s Quartet was also one of five groups featured on RCA Victor’s CD Live at Birdland (1999).

Peter Bernstein has become known for his melodic, bluesy tact and warm-tone. His personal style is influenced by Jazz greats Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, Kenny Burrell, Charlie Christian, and Jim Hall. Peter can currently be spotted in a number of settings: he is simultaneously a member of Jimmy Cobb’s Mob, the Lou Donaldson Quartet, The Melvin Rhyne Trio, and a trio featuring Larry Goldings and Bill Stewart. Having toured as a member of Joshua Redman’s Band for two years (1995-1997) he has been seen at all the popular New York Jazz venues and Jazz Festivals worldwide, including the Newport Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Mount Fuji Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, and Umbria Jazz Festival. In January 1999, Peter performed as a leader of his own Trio at the Blue Note, NYC for a month of Brunch Concerts. He has also been a member of the Salute to Jazz at the Philharmonic package.